Russia's Rostech State Corporation has signed one billion US dollar deal with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, HAL to manufacture 200 Kamov 226T light helicopters under make in India initiative. <br/><br/>The Kamov will replace the ageing fleet of Cheetah and Chetak. CEO of Rostech, Sergei Chemezov, said organization for the manufacture of helicopters is provided by the creation of a Russian-Indian joint venture in India, which includes holdings of Rostech-JSC 'Rosoboronexport' and 'Russian Helicopters", and on the India side – the corporation Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. <br/><br/>This is the first Russian-Indian high-tech project implemented by the Indian government within the framework of the 'Make in India' programme.<br/>During the recent visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Moscow, an agreement was signed between the two countries on cooperation in the field of helicopter manufacturing.<br/><br/>According to the document, Rostech will organize in India the production of Russian Ka-226T and its modifications. The agreement also provides for maintenance, operation and repair of helicopters.<br/><br/>Defence Ministry had in August last year scrapped a scam-tainted tender to procure light utility helicopters for army and air force to replace the fleet of Cheetah and Chetak choppers, used to to move troops and equipment to high-altitude locations like Siachen. <br/><br/>A group of army officers wives had in March this year urged the Defence Minister to stop the use of "outdated" Cheetah and Chetak helicopters, which have claimed a number of lives in mishaps.